FAQs by Inquisitive People

Do you offer any free tips for dog parents?

Do we ever! Our Inquisitive Canine blog offers tips and solutions galore for anyone seeking answers to common questions such as leash-pulling, counter-surfing and crate training. In addition, you’ll find specialty topics such as fun ways to approach holidays with your canine friend as well as scenarios like making sure your dog gets invited to parties.

Please note that a couple of our classes include an orientation just for humans. Read the class description carefully to find out if “orientation” is listed for the type of class you’re signed up for.

My dog is well trained and minds her manners. Why would I want to take her to any classes or workshops?

Because learning is a lifelong process for everyone — both people and dogs! Well-trained dogs benefit greatly from the mental stimulation of new training. Training your dog is a fun way to strengthen your bond through collaborative understanding, and it challenges you both to try some new tricks by taking your abilities to the next level. Plus, it just makes for enjoyable togetherness-time for you and your dog!

Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?

Yes! Your dog can benefit greatly from continuing education, which provides a channel for much-needed mental stimulation that can excite and motivate dogs of any age in ways similar to physical activity. Plus, the mental workout that training provides can be extremely beneficial for dogs with physical limitations. Learning and training with your dog also helps enhance your relationship by strengthening the bond you share.

I’ve already completed classes with my dog and would love to take more. Where do we go from here?

Wherever you and your dog want to go! Any of our classes or workshops can help you achieve desired goals, whether it’s learning fun new tricks or advancing skills. We understand that terms like beginner, intermediate, and advanced can mean different things to different people — that’s why our curriculum is designed to allow you to work with your dog at your own pace, according to your own level of comfort and expertise. With our guidance, every class can be modified to increase (or decrease) the level of difficulty, and we encourage you to focus on your own individual goals, no matter what level of training you may have previously completed.

I’m already juggling a busy schedule so I don’t have time to take my dog to class. What would you recommend for us?

We offer private dog training options so you can enjoy all the benefits of our classes at a time and place that is convenient for you. Whether in-person, online, or a combination of both, private training is an effective, convenient, fun and productive way for you, your dog and your family to engage in a lifelong education together. With private training, you’ll enjoy strengthening your bond with your dog through a highly customized training plan developed to fit your lifestyle and meet your individual needs and goals.

The Inquisitive Canine is a force-free zone. Our methodology and philosophy focuses on educating you on canine parenting to get the behaviors you want. Through our approach, you’ll learn positive and nurturing ways to reinforce the behaviors you want, while limiting and preventing inappropriate ones — without having your dog wear uncomfortable devices. Choke, prong, shock and Citronella collars are considered “correction-based” devices that place emphasis on the behaviors you don’t want. They can also result in injury, pain, and fear-related behavioral side-effects.

It’s important to note that your dog’s behavior at home and in public is determined by dynamic factors that are often overlooked in traditional obedience training. Our methods focus on understanding canine behavior so that you can successfully teach your dog good manners through techniques that reward and motivate. When dogs are rewarded for behaviors we want, they are more likely to perform those behaviors, while less likely to perform the unwanted ones.

What sort of equipment do I need for online training?

For Online Training, you can participate in ways that work best for you. We utilize phone, computer (with or without screen-sharing), tablets, webcams, email, and text.

I have a question I can’t find an answer to. May I contact you directly?

Yes! We love and appreciate inquisitive people. Just head on over to our Contact page, fill out and submit the form. We answer emails within two business days. You may also call us: (805) 965-3456. Please note, we’re based in Santa Barbara, California, PST.